Ex-Esteghlal striker Arash Borhani announces retirement

Former Esteghlal striker Arash Borhani has announced his retirement from football after 15 years.

The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for Paykan, started his playing career in 2002 with Pas and won Iran Professional League title in his four-year term in the Tehran based team.

Borhani joined Iranian popular team Esteghlal in 2007 and scored 114 goals for the Blues in 283 matches, making him the all-time top goal scorers of Esteghlal and also the second all-time top goal scorers in Iran's Premier Football League.

Borhani penned an emotional open letter to Esteghlal fans as he prepares to hang up his but at the end of the season.

“I cannot find words to describe my gratitude towards Esteghlal fans. I would like to thank all of them and say that I cannot hide my sadness over the retirement.

“I hope I will be remembered as a player who has always fought for his club. I want also to thank those persons who played the role in my career progression in football,” Borhani said.